Irresistible Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

If autumn had a flavor, it would taste exactly like these old fashioned pumpkin bars. Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting, they’re the ultimate fall dessert. Unlike dry sheet cakes or overly sweet pumpkin treats, these bars strike the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess. They’re easy to make, feed a crowd, and disappear fast at any gathering.

For another pumpkin classic, check out this moist pumpkin bread that’s equally comforting but perfect for slicing at breakfast.

Irresistible Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

If autumn had a flavor, it would taste exactly like these old fashioned pumpkin bars. Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting, they’re the ultimate fall dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Optional: pinch of cinnamon for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, beat together oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
4. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
8. For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla until creamy.
9. Spread frosting evenly over cooled pumpkin bars. Dust lightly with cinnamon if desired.

Notes

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch. Store bars covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: pumpkin bars, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, old fashioned pumpkin bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly moist: Pumpkin puree keeps the crumb tender and soft.
• Warmly spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add that cozy fall flavor.
• Creamy topping: Tangy cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Feeds a crowd: Makes a full pan of bars, ideal for parties or holidays.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: pinch of cinnamon for dusting on top

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, beat together oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
4. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
8. For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla until creamy.
9. Spread frosting evenly over cooled pumpkin bars. Dust lightly with cinnamon if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch.
• Sprinkle chopped candied ginger over the frosting for a festive touch.
• Cut into small squares for party platters or larger rectangles for a cozy dessert plate.
• Want a lighter option? Swap half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pumpkin bars chilled or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a mug of chai, hot cider, or even rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.

Storage

Store pumpkin bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual frosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

More Fall Favorites

• Pumpkin muffins
• Apple crisp with oats
• Baked apple fritters

Conclusion

These old fashioned pumpkin bars are a true taste of fall. With their moist spiced crumb and silky cream cheese frosting, they bring warmth, comfort, and nostalgia to every bite. Perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or just a cozy evening at home, they’re sure to become a seasonal tradition in your kitchen.